Ravens remain optimistic about injured starter

The Ravens escaped Week 1 with a 25-9 win over the Texans, but they didn't escape injury free. Veteran safety Marcus Williams was ruled out with a shoulder injury, but head coach John Harbaugh remains optimistic he'll return in 2023.

"He's talking to the doctors right now. He'll be out for a while," Harbaugh told reporters. "It may not be a season ender though. There's different options that he has ... he'll have to make a decision soon on a possible surgery there."

It's certainly a blow to Baltimore's thin secondary, which has already seen injuries to cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Rock Ya-Sin. However, a late season return by the veteran could be a good thing if the team is fighting for a playoff spot.

Williams had 61 tackles, four interceptions and eight passes defensed in 2022. The Ravens could use a player of his caliber as soon as he can return, especially in a competitive AFC North.

For now, Baltimore is likely to turn to third year safety Ar'Darius Washington, an undrafted rookie in 2021. Washington played well in Week 1, posting six tackles, one sack and one pass defensed.

Washington and the Ravens young secondary will be put to the test in Week 2 when they head to Cincinnati to face Joe Burrow and standout wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Depending on how the matchup goes, Baltimore may decide to add to the room with outside talent. Unless, of course, the Ravens have themselves another strong showing on defense.

"The effort that our guys played with was about as good as it gets. It was standard-setting effort in all three phases," Harbaugh added. "That was something that you can hang your hat on, and you can win with.